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Excel Life
Gap Year

Live in community. Grow in Christ. Step into purpose.

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What is Gap Year?

Excel Gap Year is a 9-month long season of real-world work, Christian community, adventure, and practical and professional formation that builds confidence, clarity, and lifelong friendships. Students will live amongst like-minded peers while gaining clarity on what the Lord has for their lives, and confidence in living it out.

Calling

Discover and pursue your personal kingdom calling through hands on experience in the field of your choice.

01

Community

Live in intentional Christian community centered on shared life, biblical formation, and learning to live faithfully together.

02

Adventure

Learn to persevere through shared outdoor experiences that cultivate courage, curiosity, and resiliency - and fun.

03

Throughout your time, you will...

The Excel Life Gap Year is built on the conviction that formation happens best through lived experience. Over nine months, students immerse themselves in an intentional Christian community while engaging in real, paid work within fields that interest them.

Understand & Own Biblical Identity

Discover more about who you are in Christ and build a foundation for the rest of your life.

Discover your Calling & Direction

Receive coaching and mentorship as you spend time diving deep with the Lord and discover the direction he has for your life.

Gain Marketplace Experience

Students will work 25+ hours a week in the industry or field of your choice.

Develop Strong Character

Challenge yourself in various realms as you embark on outdoor adventures, build relationships with peers, and learn how to function as a mature adult.

Learn Valuable Life Skills

Cooking, cleaning, how to maintain a home, how to balance a budget, and how to invest in lifelong friendships - these are all skills that will be learned and developed throughout your time.

Learn in the Classroom

As Christians, it can be incredibly difficult to navigate our noisy technological age. We are always bombarded with more influences and ideas than we can even consciously recognize – today “Influencer” is considered an occupation. This leaves those without a reliable filter of knowing how to think well, are susceptible to a conflicting culture that constantly demands what we ought to think. In the classroom, we guide campers through fundamental lessons in discernment – shaping a lens of Critical Thinking. From a bedrock of God’s truth we learn to ask better questions, blessing our lifelong journey of learning and discerning.

Critical Thinking

Discover the Critical Thinking skills necessary for you to filter through the noise, discern truth, and act wisely in the world.

WFA & CPR Certifications

Up your skill level by earning certifications through immersive hands-on training in both Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

College Scholarship

Invest in your future by receiving a $500 scholarship towards Excel College tuition when you go through the camp.

College Credit

Receive college credit from Excel College in Critical Thinking by completing the Summer Leadership Camp.

Grow in community

With a maximum of 20 campers per session, you will find the camp to be a fun and inviting atmosphere conducive to building lifelong friendships. You’ll be surrounded by leaders and peers pursuing God and His Wisdom for their lives. After twelve days, you’ll be equipped to ask great questions, seek wisdom, and become a servant leader who gives your gifts to the world around you.

When?

Winter & Fall of 2027

A nine-month journey, Gap Year begins in January or late-August and goes until September or May of the following year.‍

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Where?

Black Mountain, NC

The program is hosted by Excel Life, whose main campus is located in the small town of Black Mountain, NC. During their time here, students get to spend their free days exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, as well as downtown Black Mountain.

Who?

Young Adults

This program is for recent high-school graduates ages 18-21 years old. Gap year was designed for young adults searching for clarity in their calling and deeper Christian community—those asking the question of what's next for them.

Cost?

Affordable & Worthwhile

9 months for $1,100 a month, the cost covers housing, food, and all adventure expenses.

Students will earn more than the cost of the program, and many finish the year ahead—not behind—financially and personally.
‍
*Travel to and from the program not included.

Interested in Applying?

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